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Pope issues UN unity warning

Benedict XVI warns states not to take unilateral action to solve global crises.

18 Apr 2008 18:55 GMT

The pope held a meeting with Ban Ki-moon, the UN secretary-general, before his speech [Reuters]

Benedict called for "a deeper search for ways of pre-empting and managing conflicts by exploring every possible diplomatic avenue, and giving attention and encouragement to even the faintest sign of dialogue or desire for reconciliation".

Human rights

Speaking in French and English, the pontiff gave a wide-ranging address on issues such as globalisation, human rights and the environment.

"Every state has the primary duty to protect its own population from grave and sustained violations of human rights," the 81-year-old pontiff said.

"The promotion of human rights remains the most effective strategy for eliminating inequalities between countries and social groups, and increasing security," he added.

Before the pontiff's speech, Benedict held a private meeting with Ban Ki-moon, the UN secretary-general.

The Pope's New York visit will also include a visit to the site of the September 11, 2001, attacks.

Abuse scandals

The pope is on a six-day visit to the US that has been dominated by the issue of sexual abuse by Catholic priests in the US.